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Background: Double aortic arch (DAA) is a type of vascular ring, causing stridor and dysphagia owing to compression of the trachea and esophagus. In contrast, double innominate veins, which is a relatively rare venous anomaly, usually does not cause symptoms or require intervention. Case presentation: A 2 month-old boy presented with mild stridor and a hoarse voice while crying, and was diagnosed as having DAA, small atrial septal defects and double innominate vein. The double innominate veins, crossing over and underneath the ascending aorta, did not contribute to airway compression. To release the narrow vascular ring caused by the DAA, surgical resection of the atretic side of the arch was performed by lateral thoracostomy at 4 months of age, before the appearance of signs of bronchomalacia. The double innominate veins were left untouched, and open-heart surgery was avoided. Conclusions: DAA should be suspected if airway symptoms are present in early infancy, particularly if a right aortic arch is noted. It is important not to hesitate to perform diagnostic imaging and release the DAA, as this might prevent or minimize airway complications. However, for double innominate veins, operative release is not necessary unless it interferes with surgical procedures or is causing symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies describe outcomes after complete vascular ring surgery in a comprehensive manner. This study sought to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, operative approach, and outcomes in children undergoing surgery for complete vascular rings. This single-center retrospective cohort study includes consecutive patients (January 1990 through September 2023) undergoing primary surgery for complete vascular rings, or rerepair after primary surgery elsewhere. The primary outcome of interest was complete (as distinct from partial) symptom resolution at latest clinic follow-up. Our current preference is to pursue a comprehensive initial operation including adjunctive vascular and airway procedures targeting common causes of residual aerodigestive symptoms, such as Kommerell diverticulum resection and tracheobronchopexy. Preoperative work-up routinely involved computed tomographic angiography, dynamic bronchoscopy, and laryngoscopy. Of 515 patients (including 39 rerepairs), the most common diagnoses were right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery and left ligamentum arteriosum (n = 323, 62.7%) and double aortic arch (n = 174, 33.8%). There was no perioperative mortality. Chylothorax occurred in 28 patients (5.4%), vocal cord dysfunction in 22 patients (4.3%), and diaphragm paralysis in 2 patients (0.4%). Follow-up was available on 453 patients (88.0%) with a median duration of 3.0 years (Q1-Q3: 0.6-9.2 years). At latest clinic follow-up, 429 patients (94.7%) reported complete symptom resolution. The risk of reoperation for residual or recurrent aerodigestive symptoms was 9.6% (95% CI: 5.7%-13.5%) at 10 years and 12.4% at 20 years (95% CI: 6.9%-17.8%). Surgery for complete vascular rings provides good symptomatic relief with low risk of complications, whereas reoperations for aerodigestive symptoms are infrequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Double aortic arch (DAA) is a type of vascular ring, causing stridor and dysphagia owing to compression of the trachea and esophagus. In contrast, double innominate veins, which is a relatively rare venous anomaly, usually does not cause symptoms or require intervention. Case presentation A 2 month-old boy presented with mild stridor and a hoarse voice while crying, and was diagnosed as having DAA, small atrial septal defects and double innominate vein. The double innominate veins, crossing over and underneath the ascending aorta, did not contribute to airway compression. To release the narrow vascular ring caused by the DAA, surgical resection of the atretic side of the arch was performed by lateral thoracostomy at 4 months of age, before the appearance of signs of bronchomalacia. The double innominate veins were left untouched, and open-heart surgery was avoided. Conclusions DAA should be suspected if airway symptoms are present in early infancy, particularly if a right aortic arch is noted. It is important not to hesitate to perform diagnostic imaging and release the DAA, as this might prevent or minimize airway complications. However, for double innominate veins, operative release is not necessary unless it interferes with surgical procedures or is causing symptoms.

Right-sided aortic arch, first documented by Fioratti and Aglietti in 1763, is a rare variant of the thoracic vascular anatomy present in about 0.1% of the adult population. In half of these cases the left subclavian artery is also aberrant. The aberrant left subclavian artery usually originates from a conical dilatation near its origin from the aorta also known as “Kommerell's diverticulum.” Fewer than 80 of these cases have been reported in the literature as far as our web search is concerned. It is usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally during adulthood. We are presenting a 56 years old male patient presented with right side chest and shoulder pain of 1 week duration. The pain exacerbated with motion of the right upper extremity and radiates to his lower back. However, he had no history of cough, shortness of breath, syncope, and dysphagia. The vital signs were in normal range. Pulmonary and cardiovascular exam were unremarkable. The complete blood count (CBC), electrocardiogram (EKG), and echocardiography showed no abnormality. In the adult population a right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare occurrence often asymptomatic unless aneurysmal disease or compression of mediastinal structures ensues. Even though it is rare and at times an incidental finding, the condition is clinically relevant because of the morbidity caused by the complications. We report a case of Kommerell's Diverticulum of an aberrant left subclavian artery in an adult patient with a right-sided aortic arch. Right-sided aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery arising from Kommerell's Diverticulum is quite rare and may remain asymptomatic. On times it may cause symptoms in adulthood often as a result of early atherosclerotic changes of the anomalous vessels, dissection, or aneurysmal dilatation with compression of adjacent structures causing dysphagia, dyspnea, cough, or chest pain. Even though there are no general guidelines for the management of this condition patients need to be informed about the nature and possible outcomes of their condition. Close follow up of asymptomatic patients is one option of management until there are situations which require consideration of surgical intervention.

Vascular rings are a rare congenital anomaly of the aortic arch, in which a ring-shaped structure forms, surrounding the trachea and/or esophagus, potentially causing compression. We describe the case of a 14-month-old female patient with failure to thrive secondary to dysphagia, and a vascular ring formed by a right aortic arch, an aberrant left subclavian artery, and a left ligamentum arteriosum. Surgical repair involved ligamentum arteriosum division, Kommerell's diverticulum obliteration, and left subclavian artery re-implantation into the left carotid artery. Endoscopy and EndoFLIPTM evaluated the intraoperative improvement in esophageal narrowing and impedance, respectively. The postoperative period was uneventful, and follow-up visits demonstrated dysphagia resolution and a patent re-implanted left subclavian artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a saccular aneurysmal outpouching at the origin of an aberrant subclavian artery. Due to a lack of data in the literature, there are no standardized guidelines for management of KD, and the diverse presentation of associated aberrant anatomy complicates evaluating the best modality of treatment. We present a 74-year-old woman who had a uniquely aberrant aortic arch with an aberrant retroesophageal right subclavian artery associated with a KD and a saccular aneurysm off the left subclavian artery who was treated via a hybrid approach, demonstrating the feasibility of this treatment modality in a patient with unique aberrant arch anatomy. KEY POINTS: Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a rare congenital anomaly, and whether one should treat KD is controversial. Especially unique aberrant arch anatomy presents a technical challenge for treatment amidst the concomitant lack of consensus on intervention for KD treatment. In this case report, successful repair of KD with unique aberrant arch anatomy was done in a hybrid staged fashion with extrathoracic revascularization followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of Kommerell's Diverticulum (KD) has been evolving from open repair to a hybrid of open and endovascular repair. While there is no consensus regarding the optimal strategy, the need for less invasive treatment with less morbidity early recovery, and improved quality of life is a common goal for both the patient and the provider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a rare anatomical configuration of a 19-year-old woman, characterized by descending thoracic aortic aneurysm with right aberrant subclavian arteries with a Kommerell's diverticulum in a left aortic arch. The complexity of this vascular anomaly was accompanied by an anomalous origin of left subclavian artery. The patient underwent a single-stage open surgical repair via left thoracotomy under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The bilateral aberrant subclavian arteries were separately reconstructed in situ using hand-sewn branched grafts.

The combination of the right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) with Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is rare to coexist with the left innominate vein (LINV) beneath the aortic arch. It escalates the surgical risk undoubtedly and increases the difficulty of clinical procedures. We report one case diagnosed by Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Kommerell’s diverticulum with a right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery is uncommon. We perforemed a single-stage procedure with the frozen elephant trunk technique. Case presentation A 62-year-old man underwent aortic dissection a year ago, and computerized tomographic angiography performed at that time revealed a right aortic arch, Kommerell’s diverticulum (42 mm), and an aberrant left subclavian artery. We performed one-stage repair through median sternotomy. The cervical branches were exposed during the operation, and a deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion was established. The aorta was transected distally to the origin of the left carotid artery. We inserted a stent graft into the aorta, followed by peripheral anastomosis using a premade 5-branch Dacron graft. The right subclavian artery and the aorta were reconstructed, and the remaining cervical branches were reconstructed after the cross-clamp had been released. Conclusions Total arch replacement through median sternotomy was performed for the right aortic arch, Kommerell’s diverticulum, and aberrant left subclavian artery. The frozen elephant trunk technique is allowed to perform a one-stage operation safely.

This article discusses a case report of a patient with a right aortic arch who underwent thyroid surgery. The patient had a history of aortic arch malformations and presented with a thyroid tumor. Preoperative imaging and continuous intraoperative nerve monitoring were used to determine the course of the recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (RILN) and ensure safe surgery. The left inferior laryngeal nerve was confirmed to be the RILN, and the surgery was successful without complications. The article emphasizes the importance of special attention and monitoring in patients with aortic arch malformations during thyroid surgery. [Extracted from the article]

Vascular rings are a rare congenital anomaly of the aortic arch, in which a ring-shaped structure forms, surrounding the trachea and/or esophagus, potentially causing compression. We describe the case of a 14-month-old female patient with failure to thrive secondary to dysphagia, and a vascular ring formed by a right aortic arch, an aberrant left subclavian artery, and a left ligamentum arteriosum. Surgical repair involved ligamentum arteriosum division, Kommerell’s diverticulum obliteration, and left subclavian artery re-implantation into the left carotid artery. Endoscopy and EndoFLIPTM evaluated the intraoperative improvement in esophageal narrowing and impedance, respectively. The postoperative period was uneventful, and follow-up visits demonstrated dysphagia resolution and a patent re-implanted left subclavian artery.

Kommerell's diverticulum in association with left or right aberrant subclavian arteries is a rare finding and is challenging to treat. Contemporary surgical and endovascular techniques provide a broad arsenal of possible treatments. Imaging techniques and modeling technology allow a more personalized strategy for each patient. In this case, we present a symptomatic patient with a Kommerell's diverticulum and a left aberrant subclavian artery complicated by proximal stenosis and poststenotic aneurysm. A hybrid technique using a single-branched thoracic stent-graft (Castor, MicroPort Medical, Shanghai, China) in combination with a surgical left subclavian-carotid bypass and endovascular occlusion of the poststenotic aneurysm using a vascular plug device (Amplatzer Vascular Plug, Abbott, Chicago, United States) was performed. This approach was planned and facilitated by the use of a 3D model. Alternative treatment options and the strengths of this approach are briefly reviewed and discussed.

Background: Kommerell's diverticulum with a right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery is uncommon. We perforemed a single-stage procedure with the frozen elephant trunk technique. Case presentation: A 62-year-old man underwent aortic dissection a year ago, and computerized tomographic angiography performed at that time revealed a right aortic arch, Kommerell's diverticulum (42 mm), and an aberrant left subclavian artery. We performed one-stage repair through median sternotomy. The cervical branches were exposed during the operation, and a deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion was established. The aorta was transected distally to the origin of the left carotid artery. We inserted a stent graft into the aorta, followed by peripheral anastomosis using a premade 5-branch Dacron graft. The right subclavian artery and the aorta were reconstructed, and the remaining cervical branches were reconstructed after the cross-clamp had been released. Conclusions: Total arch replacement through median sternotomy was performed for the right aortic arch, Kommerell's diverticulum, and aberrant left subclavian artery. The frozen elephant trunk technique is allowed to perform a one-stage operation safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) with a right aortic arch (RAA) and aberrant left subclavian artery (aLSCA) is a rare congenital anomaly of the aortic arch. Treatment is not well defined due to its uncommon presentation, with rupture and dissection risk rates of up to 53%. Case summary: A 54-year-old male with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension presented with difficulty breathing during exercise without dysphagia. Follow-up computerized tomography angiogram (CTA) revealed the presence of a RAA and aLSCA arising from the descending thoracic aorta with an adjacent 58 × 41-mm KD and tracheal and esophageal displacement. Due to the size of the KD, risk of rupture, unsuitable anatomy for total endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), and high COPD burden, the patient was planned to undergo a hybrid surgical repair. Left common carotid (LCCA) artery to LSCA bypass, full aortic debranching, LSCA embolization and percutaneous thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) were performed. Successful device position and exclusion of the diverticulum and aneurysmal aorta were observed after completion thoracic aortogram. 18-month follow-up CTA demonstrated patency of the LSCA to LCCA bypass graft and arch vessel branches, as well as stable exclusion of the KD. Persistence of a type II endoleak originated at the right first posterior intercostal artery has been noted and is being followed conservatively since no sac growth has occurred. Conclusion: We highlight the presence of a KD with RAA and aberrant subclavian artery, a rare congenital anatomic variation of the aortic arch with complex anatomy. Surgical planning must be individualized according to comorbidities and anatomical variations identified on imaging and 3D reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular rings may cause tracheal and/or oesophageal compression. For many patients, symptoms/signs have been present for a long period before diagnosis. However, in the era of prenatal diagnosis, some units advocate universal early surgery. The risks and efficacy of surgery must be known to adequately counsel for the operation. This meta-analysis sought to define the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical correction, and persistent post-operative symptoms. PubMed, Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases were searched for studies that described the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for a double or right aortic arch (DAA or RAA). Non-comparative and random effects model-based meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the pooled rates of mortality, surgical complications, reintervention, and persistent follow-up symptoms. Nineteen eligible studies were included comprising 18 studies describing outcomes for DAA surgery and 15 for RAA surgery. For DAA surgery, overall mortality rate was 0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0–1.0], post-surgical complication rate 18% [95% CI: 12.0–23.0], prevalence of reintervention 3% [95% CI: 1.0–5.0] and prevalence of symptoms at last follow-up was 33% [95% CI: 17.0–52.0]. For RAA surgery, overall pooled mortality was 0% [95% CI: 0.0–0.0], prevalence of post-surgical complications was 15% [95% CI: 8.0–23.0], reintervention rate was 2% [95% CI: 0.0–4.0], prevalence of symptoms at last follow-up was 40% [95% CI: 26.0–55.0]. While surgery to correct a vascular ring is safe, the rate of persistent symptoms is high and further strategies must be sought to reduce this burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central venous catheter placement continues to be an extremely common procedure throughout hospital systems. Although ultrasound guidance can mitigate some placement risks, misplacement of lines into neighboring structures, such as arteries, remains an unfortunate complication. In this report, we will discuss an 83-year-old female with aberrant left subclavian artery and right sided arch, which provided for successful stent graft coverage of arterial injury secondary to accidental subclavian artery cannulation with a central venous catheter with preservation of the right common carotid artery and avoidance of a potentially morbid sternotomy.

Introduction: The management of Kommerell's Diverticulum (KD) has evolved from open surgical resection and graft replacement of the aorta, to endovascular repair in asymptomatic patients due to its recognized possible sequelae – aortic rupture and dissection. Despite these technical advances, standard indications for intervention and treatment algorithms remain unclear. We will present our single-center experience in the treatment of KD, supporting a multidisciplinary endovascular-first approach. Methods: All patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for KD between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained institutional surgery database. Chart review was used to characterize presenting symptoms, interventions, technical results, and complications. Revascularization was performed using carotid-axillary bypass. Routine endovascular subclavian artery occlusion was employed to eliminate retrograde diverticulum perfusion and avoid open ligation. Results: 8 patients were identified, including 6 females and 2 males between the ages of 44-76. Patients presented with dysphagia (n = 3), acute embolic stroke (n = 1), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (n = 1), upper extremity embolization (n = 1), and acute type B aortic dissection (n = 1). One patient had a prior incomplete open repair that was successfully treated endovascularly. Another patient had a mediastinal neoplasm infiltrating an incidental aberrant subclavian artery and KD. All cases had symptomatic improvement and successful endovascular repair as demonstrated on post-operative imaging. Perioperative complications included percutaneous access site pseudoaneurysm (n = 2), stroke (n = 1), and subclavian artery rupture immediately recognized and treated (n = 1). There was no perioperative mortality. Conclusion: Endovascular techniques have resulted in technical success and symptomatic improvement for KD without open thoracotomy or sternotomy. Significant rates of endovascular complications and paucity of long-term durability data should be considered. Until formal criteria for repair are established, early application of TEVAR using a consistent multi-specialty approach may mitigate the risk of unpredictable aortic complications in these patients while avoiding the accepted morbidity and mortality of open surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrophy of the fourth right aortic arch during embryogenesis can lead to arteria lusoria. This occurs with a frequency of 0.5-2%. This artery originates directly from the aortic arch as a fourth branch or from the proximal part of the descending aorta. Then it follows an upward and rightward direction crossing the trachea and esophagus in its course. This abnormal artery is accompanied in 20-60% of cases by dilatation of its proximal part, called Kommerell's diverticulum. A correlation has been noted between the presence of arteria lusoria and chromosomal aberrations, mainly Down syndrome. Arteria lusoria in fetuses is diagnosed using ultrasound, and in adults, the gold diagnostic standard is computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography. Consequences of arteria lusoria may include dysphagia (dysphagia lusoria), chronic cough, arteriooesophageal fistula, retrosternal pain, respiratory problems, and numbness of the right upper limb. Respiratory disorders accompanying arteria lusoria occur mainly in children because their trachea is less rigid than in adults and more prone to deformation. Arteria lusoria is a clinically significant marker of fetal congenital malformations. It also may be a cause of nonspecific symptoms in children and adults that should be considered during differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Right aortic arch is caused by a malformation of the aorta while Kommerell's diverticulum is a saccular aneurysm arising at the origin of the subclavian artery. Both diseases are caused by malformations during embryonic development and can subsequently cause compression of the esophagus and trachea due to abnormal arterial migration. Here, we report five cases of esophageal stenosis due to aortic angiogenesis anomalies. Three of the five cases had aortic running abnormalities, noted on computed tomography (CT). However, until it was observed for the first time, esophageal stricture was not recognized as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) finding due to the lack of knowledge of diseases such as Kommerell's diverticulum even when EGD was performed during regular follow-up after treatment for esophageal cancer or other conditions. Symptoms include dysphagia and dyspnea due to stenosis of the esophagus and trachea, however, regardless of symptomatic presentation, the presence of esophageal stenosis on EGD should be considered as an effect of aortic travel abnormality or Kommerell's diverticulum. Although there have been no reports of Kommerell's diverticulum rupture due to endoscopic manipulation, gastroenterologists should consider the possibility of Kommerell's diverticulum during clinical decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundUnilateral pulmonary artery agenesis (UPAA) and Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) are two rare embryologically unrelated congenital vascular malformations rarely diagnosed in children. This is the first report of our knowledge of the unique combination for a child as patients are at a high risk of pulmonary hypertension and rupture of the diverticulum. Our aim is to present the case of a pediatric patient with UPAA and KD with the short literature review and to highlight the importance of early diagnostics of rare congenital vascular malformations.Case reportA 1-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with prolonged cough and variable wheezing. A hypoplastic left lung was suspected in the radiographic image of the chest. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed absence of the left pulmonary artery and right arch of aorta and anomaly of subclavian arteries was suspected. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography scans of the chest that demonstrated elongation of the aorta and an aberrant right subclavian artery with KD, as well as absence of the left pulmonary artery. The patient is being followed up for the development of pulmonary hypertension and compression of vascular structures to the airways as well as any indications for surgical intervention because of the KD.ConclusionsUPAA and KD are two very rare congenital vascular anomalies usually diagnosed in adults. A high risk of pulmonary hypertension and rupture of diverticulum is noted for adult patients. This case provides us with an exclusive possibility to follow up a patient with an extremely rare combination of the two vascular anomalies with insufficiently known future complications and outcomes.

Background: Kommerell's diverticulum with Stanford type A aortic dissection is a relatively rare condition. There is currently no standard treatment strategy for Kommerell's diverticulum. We herein report our surgical strategy with a review of literature for a case of Kommerell's diverticulum that developed acute aortic dissection. Case presentation: A 54-year-old woman was referred to our hospital after being diagnosed with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection at the hospital where she was admitted for chest and back pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a right and left common carotid and left subclavian artery branching from the aortic arch; Kommerell's diverticulum and an aberrant right subclavian artery (RSCA) arising from it were noted in the distal arch. The contralateral aortic wall where Kommerell's diverticulum was located was the entry, resulting in aortic dissection, with retrograde dissection extending into the ascending aorta. Partial thrombosis was detected in the false lumen of the ascending aorta. The dissection extended from the ascending aorta to the common iliac artery. In addition, the thrombosed false lumen in the left common iliac artery was considered to have caused dynamic obstruction due to compression and narrowing of the true lumen. Based on these findings, total arch replacement with reconstruction of the 4-branched vessels in the arch, including an aberrant RSCA, the frozen elephant trunk technique, and femoro-femoral bypass for malperfusion of the left lower extremity were performed with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. An artificial graft was anastomosed to the right axillary artery, which was used as the blood supply route for cardiopulmonary bypass. After cooling to hypothermia, the central portion of the aberrant right subclavian artery was clipped on the right side of the trachea. Thus, cerebral blood flow was maintained via the right vertebral artery, the aortic arch was opened, and cannulas for selective cerebral perfusion were inserted into the right common carotid artery, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. After each vessel was reconstructed, the graft that had been anastomosed to the right axillary artery was anastomosed to the graft used for reconstruction of the right common carotid artery. The patient's postoperative course was generally good. Conclusion: The strategy used by us effectively created transient occlusion of the origin of Kommerell's diverticulum and the primary entry. Our results indicate that this method is feasible and effective for cases in which in situ reconstruction of the branch may be challenging.

Objectives: The aberrant subclavian artery is among the congenital vascular anomalies of the aortic arch. Aberrant subclavian arteries can be seen in different types and on the right or left side. Aneurysmal dilatation, named Kommerell's diverticulum, may be seen in the descending thoracic aorta at the origin of the right aberrant subclavian artery. The aim of this study aimed to present our experience with aberrant subclavian artery pathology. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of our experience from two instutitions with 14 patients who had an aberrant subclavian artery between 2015-2021. Seven patients (62.5%) were male, and the median age at the time of surgery was 38.4 months (range: 6 months to 75 years). Patients were either asymptomatic, incidentally diagnosed, or presented with dyspnea and/or dysphagia lusoria. Results: Asymptomatic patients were not interfered. There was no early or late mortality in 6 patients who underwent surgery. Three (50%) patients underwent aberrant right subclavian artery repair through right thoracotomy, two received a hybrid approach due to Kommerell's diverticulum, and one patient underwent aberrant left subclavian artery repair from left thoracotomy. The median postoperative duration of the intensive care unit and hospital stays were 1 and 6 days, respectively. Patients were followed for a median of 3.6 years (range, 1.2-6.8 years) after intervention. No endoleak was observed in the follow-up of patients who underwent endovascular repair. Conclusion: The data suggest that symptomatic aberrant subclavian artery pathology can be treated safely in selected patients with good early and mid-term results. The right or left side of the aberrant subclavian artery may change the surgical approach. Patients with Kommerell's diverticulum with a right aberrant subclavian artery can be treated with a hybrid approach using endovascular techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrophy of the fourth right aortic arch during embryogenesis can lead to arteria lusoria. This occurs with a frequency of 0.5–2%. This artery originates directly from the aortic arch as a fourth branch or from the proximal part of the descending aorta. Then it follows an upward and rightward direction crossing the trachea and esophagus in its course. This abnormal artery is accompanied in 20–60% of cases by dilatation of its proximal part, called Kommerell’s diverticulum. A correlation has been noted between the presence of arteria lusoria and chromosomal aberrations, mainly Down syndrome. Arteria lusoria in fetuses is diagnosed using ultrasound, and in adults, the gold diagnostic standard is computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography. Consequences of arteria lusoria may include dysphagia (dysphagia lusoria), chronic cough, arterio-oesophageal fistula, retrosternal pain, respiratory problems, and numbness of the right upper limb. Respiratory disorders accompanying arteria lusoria occur mainly in children because their trachea is less rigid than in adults and more prone to deformation. Arteria lusoria is a clinically significant marker of fetal congenital malformations. It also may be a cause of non-specific symptoms in children and adults that should be considered during differential diagnosis.

Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a rare congenital vascular abnormality due to the formation of an abnormal aortic arch, most commonly associated with dilatation at the proximal part of the aberrant subclavian artery. This article describes an option of surgical treatment in a patient with KD. The proposed new technique of aortic arch surgical reconstruction with a stent‐graft placement in the descending aorta reduces CPB time, aortic clamp and circulatory arrest time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneurysm of the aberrant left subclavian artery arising from Kommerell's diverticulum is very rare. Early intervention is recommended in such a case to avoid complications. Rarely, such an aneurysm may present with a concomitant cardiac pathology. Surgical approach in this complex scenario is difficult as anatomically distant areas have to be exposed and usually a staged approach is preferred. There are only a few published reports about the same. We report, for the first time, successful single-stage intervention in a patient with aortic regurgitation, right aortic arch, and aneurysmal aberrant left subclavian artery from Kommerell's diverticulum, exclusively through median sternotomy. A 37-year-old gentleman presented with the complaints of palpitations (New York Heart Association grade II) and left-sided neck swelling of 4 months' duration. He also had history of hoarseness of voice for 2 weeks. He was diagnosed to have aortic regurgitation, right aortic arch, and aneurysmal aberrant left subclavian artery from Kommerell's diverticulum and was treated by single-stage repair of the aneurysm and aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis via median sternotomy. Single-stage intervention through midline sternotomy provides excellent outcomes and can be a feasible option for such a complex aortic anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly of the aortic arch system in which there is a left- or right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant subclavian artery on the contralateral side. Patients with this anomaly can be asymptomatic or have features of tracheal or oesophageal compression. However, there is a rising suspicion that it may be a rare cause of unilateral vocal cord palsy through its compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. We describe a patient who had a long history of hoarse voice and left vocal cord palsy with no other obvious cause, who was found to have a Kommerell's diverticulum on a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan.

Objectives: We evaluate long-term symptomatic improvement in vascular ring patients who underwent thoracoscopic division at a single quaternary pediatric surgery center., Methods: All pediatric patients who underwent vascular ring division without Kommerell's diverticulum resection between 01/2007-12/2022 were included. Surgeries were performed by pediatric general and thoracic surgeons. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from retrospective chart review. Data on long-term symptomatic improvement were collected with structured telephone interviews., Results: 60% of patients were male. Median age at operation was 24 months (IQR: 11, 60 months) with a median weight of 11.3 kg (IQR: 8.7, 19.8 kg). All patients were symptomatic preoperatively with dysphagia being the most frequent complaint (42%), followed by chronic cough (21%). Of 41 patients eligible for the long-term follow-up survey, 8 patients with a primary diagnosis of a double arch with an atretic segment in the non-dominant arch and 9 with a right dominant arch with left ligamentum arteriosum and aberrant left subclavian artery (LSCA) were contacted and consented for participation. Median interval from surgery to survey completion was 95 months (IQR 28, 135 months). Most patients had no, or only minor, symptoms related to breathing and swallowing at the time of long-term follow-up. 88% of patients experienced postoperative symptom improvement, and only one patient reported worsening of symptoms over time., Conclusion: Division of an atretic arch and/or ligamentum for patients with an aberrant LSCA without Kommerell's resection may be adequate to ensure long-term improvement of breathing and swallowing problems attributable to vascular rings., Level of Evidence: Level IV., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest We have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is associated with a high incidence of right-sided aortic arch (RAA). Hybrid thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is an effective and less invasive alternative to open repair. However, the long-term results regarding KD diameter regression or symptom improvement remain inadequately described., Methods: Nine patients underwent TEVAR for KD associated with RAA between January 2016 and September 2023 at our university hospital and affiliated institutions. A hybrid procedure was performed to exclude KD by blocking the proximal blood flow with TEVAR and distal blood flow with embolization of the aberrant subclavian artery. Simultaneously, extra-anatomical bypass surgery was performed to revascularize the covered supra-arch vessels., Results: The patients' mean age was 65.2 years, and six patients were men. Two patients presented with dysphagia, whereas the rest were asymptomatic. The mean diameter and distance to the opposite aortic wall of KD were 32.1 mm and 56.2 mm, respectively. For revascularization of the covered supra-arch vessels, six and two patients underwent total debranching with sternotomy and extra-thoracic bypass (bilateral common carotid artery-axial artery bypass), respectively. The 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 0%, with no instances of cerebral infarction or spinal cord ischemia. The mean follow-up period was 3.2 years. The survival and avoidance rates of aortic events were 100% at 1 and 3 years. Follow-up computed tomography scans showed no endoleaks; however, one (11.1%) type 2 endoleak from the aberrant left subclavian artery occurred 1 week postoperatively, necessitating additional coiling. Seven patients were followed up for more than 1 year, with five experiencing reductions of more than 3 mm in KD diameter, distance to the opposite aortic wall, or both., Conclusion: Although further follow-up and investigations are needed, TEVAR may be a safe and effective surgical treatment for KD associated with RAA., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hybrid single-stage repair of Kommerell's diverticulum in a right aortic arch. Aortic arch anomalies, isolated or associated with congenital heart defects, are cardiovascular manifestations frequently associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Kommerell's diverticulum in the context of a right aortic arch is an exceedingly rare congenital anomaly, consisting in aneurysmal degeneration of the origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery. Open surgical repair has been the treatment paradigm, but in recent years, hybrid and endovascular procedures have also been proposed. In this report we present the case of a patient affected by 22q11.2 deletion syndrome successfully treated for Kommerell's diverticulum associated with a right-sided aortic arch through a single-stage hybrid procedure, consisting of bilateral carotid-subclavian bypass, exclusion of the diverticulum by an endovascular thoracic stent graft, and aberrant left subclavian artery plug occlusion. This type of hybrid technique can be an excellent alternative to extensive open surgical repairs or when total endovascular repair is deemed unachievable, also in the context of a complex genetic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A right-sided aortic arch (RAArch) is present in approximately 0.1% of the population. A Kommerell's diverticulum (KD), a remnant of the dorsal aortic arch usually refers to an aneurysmal aortic enlargement at the origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) and is associated with an increased risk of aortic dissection. Case summary A 59-year-old female smoker with a history of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia presented with a 24-hour history of sudden-onset and severe stabbing chest pain radiating to the interscapular region. Physical examination was normal except for bilateral basal crepitations. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed a type B aortic dissection in a RAArch with an ALSA arising from KD with a peri-aortic haematoma and haemothorax without any active contrast extravasation. After medical stabilization, a semi-urgent hybrid repair was performed with a right carotid-subclavian bypass, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), a plug in the left subclavian artery, and left carotid-subclavian bypass due to severe ischaemia of the left arm. The postoperative CTA showed patent bypasses, aortic remodelling, and a minimal type IIa endoleak at the level of the ALSA. Discussion In patients with a type B dissection and KD, hybrid repair including TEVAR is feasible after careful pre-operative assessment of the patient's unique anatomy and may reduce post-surgical morbidity and mortality compared to open surgery. Prophylactic repair may be considered in patients with an asymptomatic RAArch and KD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kommerell’s diverticulum (KD) is a rare aneurysm of the origin of an aberrant subclavian artery. Hybrid aortic arch repair for KD is being performed more often. We report hybrid arch repair for KD in a 63-year-old man with a right aortic arch and aberrant right vertebral artery, an extremely rare variant. We performed total arch replacement to completely reconstruct the five cervical arteries with elephant trunk to create an adequate landing zone, followed by second-stage endovascular stent-grafting from the ascending aorta to the proximal descending aorta.

Arteria lusoria, an aberrant right subclavian artery originating distal to the ostium of carotid arteries, is the most common congenital aortic arch anomaly. It is commonly associated with other congenital anomalies of the heart and great vessels resulting from embryologic malformation of the aortic arch, including truncus bicaroticus, which is a common trunk of bilateral common carotid arteries. The association between arteria lusoria and truncus bicaroticus is about 29%. We reported a rare case of truncus bicaroticus with arteria lusoria in a 40-year-old male patient detected incidentally during coronary angiography through the right radial approach.

Vertebral arteria lusoria (VAL), defined as the right vertebral artery (VA) originating from the aortic arch distally to the left subclavian artery (SCA) and progressing retroesophageally, is a rare vascular anomaly. This anomaly is rarely associated with abnormalities such as aortic coarctation, Bovine aortic arch, and Kommerell's diverticulum. It is uncommon for VAs to originate from the SCA below the level of the 1st rib. To our knowledge, no instance of VAL has been described, in which the left VA originates from the SCA below the first rib. We aimed to present computed tomography findings in a patient with VAL, Kommerell's diverticulum, Bovine aortic arch, and a left VA with the extreme proximal origin, which could be also defined as "vertebrosubclavian trunk," in this case report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The right-sided aortic arch (RAA) is an uncommon anatomical anomaly found in <0.1% of the adult population. In this article, we report a case of RAA anomaly with an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) and Kommerell's diverticulum associated with aneurysmal dilation of the ascending aorta, left carotid artery (CCA) stenosis, and pancake kidney presented with a transient ischemic attack (TIA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature that discusses such associations, especially in a symptomatic patient with neurological rather than tracheaesophageal symptoms and in the absence of the steal phenomenon. Case Description: A 52-year-old male, with a history of recurrent multiple TIAs, presented immediately after the onset of blurred vision and left-sided weakness. The initial diagnostic cerebral angiogram revealed a left CCA stenosis of <30%, with normal posterior circulation vasculature. The diagnosis of RAA was made with computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, which revealed Type 2 RAA, with ALSA, which had a bullous dilatation at its origin that suggests Kommerell's diverticulum. Another two findings on CTA were a persistent left-sided superior vena cava that ended in the coronary sinus and a single pelvic fused renal mass (Pancake kidney). Conclusion: We presented an extremely rare case of RAA with ALSA associated with a group of extra rare anomalies. Understanding the anatomical variants of RAA and its characteristics is critical to improving the management and follow-up of patients with such anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The lesions of aberrant right subclavian artery, Kommerell’s diverticulum and type A aortic intramural hematoma are rare, and we usually treat them with open surgery. In some cases patients have increased risk to undergo surgery, the experiences of endovascular or medical treatment are limited. Case presentation Here we reported a case of a 53-year-old man with these three entities present with chest and back ache and attempted a novel approach, thoracic endovascular aortic repair, in the absence of surgical treatment. The patient lived over 5 years and this case provides initial experience and lesson about the endovascular and medical management of the uncommon and dangerous disease- type A aortic intramural hematoma with aortic congenital malformation. Conclusion Thoracic endovascular aortic repair with medical treatment may be a potential alternative approach for type A aortic intramural hematoma.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the in-hospital and later outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B intramural hematoma (TBIMH) combined with an aberrant subclavian artery (aSCA).MethodsIn the period from January 2014 to December 2020, 12 patients diagnosed with TBIMH combined with aSCA and treated by TEVAR were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study, including 11 patients with the aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) and 1 with an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA). A handmade fenestrated stent-graft or chimney stent or hybrid repair was performed when the proximal landing zone was not enough.ResultsThe mean age of all the patients was 59.2 ± 7.6 years, and 66.7% of patients were men. There were 4 patients with Kommerell's diverticulum (KD). The procedures in all 12 patients were technically successful. There was one case each of postoperative delirium, renal impairment, and type IV endoleak after TEVAR. During follow-up, 1 patient died of acute pancreatitis 7 months after TEVAR. The overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years for the patients was 90.9, 90.9, and 90.9%, respectively. KD was excluded in 2 patients, and the handmade fenestrated stent-graft was applied in the other 2 patients to preserve the blood flow of the aSCA. No neurological complications developed and no progression of KD was observed during the follow-up.ConclusionThoracic endovascular aortic repair for patients with aSCA and TBIMH is promising. When KD was combined, we could exclude KD or preserve the blood flow of aSCA with regular follow-up for the diverticulum according to the size of the KD.

Our case presents a unique occurrence marking the first documentation of a connection between a typical carcinoid in the context of diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) and vascular anomalies, including a right-sided aortic arch with Kommerell's diverticulum. Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly. The lusoria subclavian artery, another developmental anomaly, arises from the right aortic arch instead of the typical left side. Neuroendocrine cells may contribute to lung disease pathogenesis by altering their physiology before clinical symptoms appear. A 56-year-old woman with an unyielding chronic cough underwent diagnostic evaluation, unveiling rare vascular anomalies alongside a pulmonary nodule. Radiological investigations disclosed a solid nodule in the middle lobe, accompanied by proximal right-sided aortic arch ectasia and an aberrant left subclavian artery. Following multidisciplinary deliberation, thoracic and vascular surgeons elected for surgical nodule resection. Utilizing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the procedure revealed the anomaly of the right-sided aortic arch. Preliminary histological examination indicated a low-grade pulmonary carcinoid, obviating the need for further lymphadenectomy due to its low malignancy potential. Subsequent histological analysis confirmed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor G1 consistent with typical carcinoid within a DIPNECH framework. Currently, the patient is in follow-up. This case underscores the importance of multidisciplinary evaluation and tailored surgical approaches for managing patients with rare vascular anomalies and pulmonary nodules, emphasizing the requisite comprehensive preoperative assessment and collaborative efforts among diverse medical specialties to optimize outcomes., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Nocera et al.)

Right-sided aortic arch, first documented by Fioratti and Aglietti in 1763, is a rare variant of the thoracic vascular anatomy present in about 0.1% of the adult population. In half of these cases the left subclavian artery is also aberrant. The aberrant left subclavian artery usually originates from a conical dilatation near its origin from the aorta also known as "Kommerell's diverticulum." Fewer than 80 of these cases have been reported in the literature as far as our web search is concerned. It is usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally during adulthood. We are presenting a 56 years old male patient presented with right side chest and shoulder pain of 1 week duration. The pain exacerbated with motion of the right upper extremity and radiates to his lower back. However, he had no history of cough, shortness of breath, syncope, and dysphagia. The vital signs were in normal range. Pulmonary and cardiovascular exam were unremarkable. The complete blood count (CBC), electrocardiogram (EKG), and echocardiography showed no abnormality. In the adult population a right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare occurrence often asymptomatic unless aneurysmal disease or compression of mediastinal structures ensues. Even though it is rare and at times an incidental finding, the condition is clinically relevant because of the morbidity caused by the complications. We report a case of Kommerell's Diverticulum of an aberrant left subclavian artery in an adult patient with a right-sided aortic arch. Right-sided aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery arising from Kommerell's Diverticulum is quite rare and may remain asymptomatic. On times it may cause symptoms in adulthood often as a result of early atherosclerotic changes of the anomalous vessels, dissection, or aneurysmal dilatation with compression of adjacent structures causing dysphagia, dyspnea, cough, or chest pain. Even though there are no general guidelines for the management of this condition patients need to be informed about the nature and possible outcomes of their condition. Close follow up of asymptomatic patients is one option of management until there are situations which require consideration of surgical intervention., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.)

A Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a saccular aneurysmal outpouching at the origin of an aberrant subclavian artery. Due to a lack of data in the literature, there are no standardized guidelines for management of KD, and the diverse presentation of associated aberrant anatomy complicates evaluating the best modality of treatment. We present a 74-year-old woman who had a uniquely aberrant aortic arch with an aberrant retroesophageal right subclavian artery associated with a KD and a saccular aneurysm off the left subclavian artery who was treated via a hybrid approach, demonstrating the feasibility of this treatment modality in a patient with unique aberrant arch anatomy., Competing Interests: The authors report no funding or conflicts of interest. The patient provided consent for the publication of case details and imaging studies., (Copyright © 2024 Baylor University Medical Center.)

Objective: The study was to figure out the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a single-branched stent graft, namely Castor, in combination with fenestration or chimney in the context of aortic arch lesions presenting with aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) and/or Kommerell's diverticulum (KD)., Methods: All consecutive patients with aortic arch lesions and ASA and/or KD receiving Castor from June 2018 to June 2023 were investigated., Results: Incorporating 18 patients, the study encompassed 11 cases with KD, 3 cases with dysphagia; 2 cases of right-sided aortic arch with left-sided aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA), and 16 cases of left-sided aortic arch with right-sided aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). The mean operation time was 132±23 minutes. The mean measured proximal aortic diameter was 30.9±1.6 mm, and proximal diameter of Castor stent was 34 (32, 34.5) mm, with oversize of 9.1±1.6%; the mean measured branch diameter was 8.8±0.97 mm, and branch diameter of Castor stent was 10 (8, 10) mm, with oversize of 0.86±0.57 mm. Technical success rate was 100%, and no in-hospital mortality, no stroke, and no endoleak were identified. One (5.6%) case with spinal cord ischemia and one (5.6%) case with poor healing of operative site were identified. During the follow-up period, no aortic-related death or secondary intervention was recorded. The maximal aortic diameter was significantly reduced at the sixth postoperative month (p adj =0.031); KD diameter was significantly reduced at the third (p adj =0.001) and sixth (p adj <0.001) postoperative month., Conclusion: Totally endovascular repair of aortic arch lesions with ASA and KD via Castor stent in combination with fenestration or chimney is feasible, effective, and safe, which can achieve an encouraging medium-term outcome and provide excellent remodeling at the lesions., Clinical Impact: Single branched stent in combination with fenestration or chimney achieved a sufficient proximal landing zone and provided an encouraging medium-term outcome in this retrospective review of 18 patients receiving endovascular treatment of pathological aortic arch with aberrant subclavian artery and/or Kommerell's diverticulum. The authors suggest this time-saving and efficient technique to establish systematic experience for the treatment in this kind of patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Arteria lusoria, an aberrant right subclavian artery originating distal to the ostium of carotid arteries, is the most common congenital aortic arch anomaly. It is commonly associated with other congenital anomalies of the heart and great vessels resulting from embryologic malformation of the aortic arch, including truncus bicaroticus, which is a common trunk of bilateral common carotid arteries. The association between arteria lusoria and truncus bicaroticus is about 29%. We reported a rare case of truncus bicaroticus with arteria lusoria in a 40-year-old male patient detected incidentally during coronary angiography through the right radial approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retroesophageal aberrant brachiocephalic artery is a very rare congenital aortic arch anomaly. We herein presented a 29-year-old man with right aortic arch, retroesophageal aberrant left brachiocephalic artery, left ligamentum arteriosus, and absent left internal carotid artery. Graft replacement of the descending aorta and anatomical reconstruction of left brachiocephalic artery was successfully performed using a midline sternotomy approach without blood transfusion. We discuss the surgical management for Kommerell's diverticulum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES This review aims at presenting and summarizing the current state of literature on the presentation and surgical management of a right-sided aortic arch with a left-sided ligamentum forming a complete vascular ring around the oesophagus and trachea. METHODS A systematic database search for appropriate literature was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE. Articles were considered relevant when providing details on the presentation, diagnosis and surgical treatment of this specific congenital arch anomaly in human beings. RESULTS Affected patients present with respiratory and/or oesophageal difficulties due to tracheoesophageal compression. Conservative treatment might be reasonable in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases; however, once moderate-to-severe symptoms develop, surgical intervention is definitely indicated. Surgery is commonly performed through a left thoracotomy or median sternotomy and includes the division of the left ductal ligamentum; if a Kommerell's diverticulum is present that is >1.5 times the diameter of the subclavian artery, then concomitant resection of the large diverticulum and translocation of the aberrant left subclavian artery is also conducted. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are low and are rather related to concomitant intracardiac and extracardiac anomalies than to the procedure itself. In a majority of patients, full resolution of symptoms is seen within months to years from the surgery. Nevertheless, there is also a subset of patients who remain with some tracheobronchial narrowing, sometimes even requiring reintervention during follow-up due to persisting or recurring symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the surgical management of a right aortic arch forming a true vascular ring in infancy, childhood and adulthood seems relatively safe and effective in providing symptomatic relief despite some persistent tracheobronchial and/or oesophageal narrowing in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kommerell diverticulum (KD) in children with right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery can be treated surgically via left subclavian artery (LSCA) translocation or aortopexy. These procedures remain controversial. We compared the outcomes of both procedures. This retrospective study included 48 patients who underwent LSCA translocation (n = 26) or aortopexy (n = 22). Lateral thoracotomy and sternotomy were performed in 38 and 10 patients with severe intracardiac malformations, respectively. The median age of the aortopexy group was 10 months, median follow-up was 14 months, and mean length of hospitalization was 11.41 ± 6.8 days. The median age of the LSCA translocation group was 12 months, median follow-up was 22 months, and mean length of hospitalization was 14.96 ± 7.74 days. Two patients (LSCA translocation group) required secondary intubations and none suffered from recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or complications related to LSCA translocation. Breathing and swallowing symptoms were relieved in all patients. No additional thoracotomies due to respiratory symptoms were required. These two procedures relieve the pressure on the trachea and esophagus with similar short-term outcomes. The long-term outcomes are unknown. LSCA translocation may be the best strategy to prevent symptom recurrence and late complications in these patients. Level III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]